I moved to a different state to work on my Masters. The rules are different if you're a grad student over a certain age. My school had something called a "Work Rule Program" where you work full time in the state and are able to enroll in 2 courses a semester as an instate student. Tagging my car and stuff like that didn't matter. They needed proof I had worked for 6 months full time to start it and now I just fill out a new application every semester with proof of my length and amount of work. After 3 semesters I automatically become an instate student. Honestly, working full time I don't want to take more than 2 classes a semester, so it's worked out in my favor. I'd check with your school about their programs.

Since you won't be attending school for two years, I would think you would just need to adhere to any general CA residency rules.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:California residency rules for in-state tuition are REALLY strict. Students can't even return home for the holidays without being questioned of their intent.

"Your intent will be questioned if you return to your former state of residence when the university is not in session." https://students.ucsd.edu/finances/fees/residence/criteria.html

I wouldn't be attending school for two years. I thought if I established residency now as required (state taxes, drivers' license, etc), it might make the transition for school much easier down the road.

I am also over 24 years so some of the student criteria does not apply.

Anonymous wrote:California residency rules for in-state tuition are REALLY strict. Students can't even return home for the holidays without being questioned of their intent.

"Your intent will be questioned if you return to your former state of residence when the university is not in session." https://students.ucsd.edu/finances/fees/residence/criteria.html

I wouldn't be attending school for two years. I thought if I established residency now as required (state taxes, drivers' license, etc), it might make the transition for school much easier down the road.

California residency rules for in-state tuition are REALLY strict. Students can't even return home for the holidays without being questioned of their intent.

"Your intent will be questioned if you return to your former state of residence when the university is not in session." https://students.ucsd.edu/finances/fees/residence/criteria.html

Anonymous wrote:Why do you want to establish state residency now? To be eligible for state jobs?

No. State tuition.

Why do you want to establish state residency now? To be eligible for state jobs?

I will be relocating to California in two years but would like to start working on residency in the next few months. I telecommute in a contractor government job and will continue to do so. I'm willing to pay California taxes, give up and get CA tags, etc, fly back and forth every couple of months if necessary, and can reside with relatives in the meantime in CA. However, I still have responsibilities here, and my car would remain in MD.

Does anyone know if there is a certain number of days I need to reside in CA to be considered a resident while I also spend time in MD?